Spaghetti is a classic and beloved dish that never fails to satisfy! Whether you're craving something light and refreshing or hearty and comforting—we've got you covered with over 50 epic side dish ideas to perfectly complement your spaghetti (yum!).
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Jump To
- What to Serve with Spaghetti?
- What to Serve with Spaghetti: Sides and Salads
- Antipasti (Appetizers) to Serve with Spaghetti
- Primi (Veggie Side Dishes) for Spaghetti
- Secondi (Meat Dishes) to Serve with Spaghetti
- Insalata (Salad Recipes) to Serve with Spaghetti
- Dolce (Desserts) to Pair with Spaghetti
- Sauces to Serve with Spaghetti
- Wines to Pair with Spaghetti
- Best Products for a Perfect Spaghetti Dinner
- How to eat with spaghetti (the Italian way)
- How To Store Fresh Pasta Without Sticking
What to Serve with Spaghetti?
When it comes to planning the perfect spaghetti dinner – the main dish might be the star, but the right side dishes can elevate your meal to a whole new level! Whether you're looking for something easy, fresh, or simply delicious, I’ve got you covered with over 50 side dish ideas to serve with spaghetti. From classic garlic bread and green beans to more inventive options like roasted brussels sprouts and kale salad – there's something for everyone!
Explore Hearty & Healthy Options
In this article, you’ll find a variety of side dishes that cater to every taste and preference. Explore the versatility of your slow cooker for hearty sides, or discover quick and healthy options like roasted asparagus prepared in an air fryer. If you’re into salads (who isn’t?!), our curated selection includes everything from a crisp green salad to a robust caesar salad. Plus, I’ll show you how simple ingredients like olive oil, cherry tomatoes, and garlic can transform any side dish into a memorable part of your meal.
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What to Serve with Spaghetti: Sides and Salads
Spaghetti is such a versatile dish – you can pair it with a variety of sides and salads to create a well-rounded meal. Here's my list of 50 fabulous options categorized by type, with brief descriptions (you’ll love them all!).
Antipasti (Appetizers) to Serve with Spaghetti
- Bruschetta with Tomato and Basil - Toasted bread topped with fresh cherry tomatoes and basil. Yum!
- Stuffed Mushrooms with Cream Cheese and Herbs - Mushrooms filled with a savory cream cheese mixture. So creamy!
- Marinated Olives with Garlic and Rosemary - Olives marinated in a garlic and rosemary-infused oil. Perfect for nibbling.
- Prosciutto-Wrapped Melon - Sweet melon wrapped in salty prosciutto slices. A classic!
- Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Drizzle - Skewers of mozzarella, tomato, and basil drizzled with balsamic reduction. So fresh!
Primi (Veggie Side Dishes) for Spaghetti
- Easy Garlic Broccoli - Simple steamed broccoli tossed with garlic. Quick and delicious.
- Easy Sautéed Sugar Snap Peas with Garlic and Shallot - Quick sauté of snap peas with garlic and shallots. Crisp and flavorful!
- Pan Fried Oyster Mushrooms with Rosemary - Oyster mushrooms fried with rosemary for a savory side. Earthy and tasty!
- Sautéed Rapini Broccoli Rabe with Garlic and Oil - Bitter rapini sautéed with garlic and olive oil. Bitter in a good way!
- Sauteed Radishes with Green Beans - Radishes and green beans sautéed for a colorful side. Vibrant and fresh.
- Garlic-Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Mustard Sauce - Brussels sprouts roasted with garlic and served with mustard sauce. Perfectly roasted!
- Roasted Green Beans with Lemon Walnuts - Green beans roasted with lemon and walnuts. Nutty and zesty.
- Warm Tasty Greens with Garlic - Mixed greens sautéed with garlic. Simple and wholesome.
- Easy Roasted Broccoli with Pecorino and Lemon - Roasted broccoli topped with Pecorino cheese and lemon zest. A perfect combo!
- Blistered Green Beans with Bacon - Green beans blistered in a hot pan with crispy bacon. Bacon makes everything better!
- Green Beans With Garlic - Simple green beans sautéed with garlic. Can’t go wrong!
- Lemony White Bean Salad with Broccoli - White beans and broccoli tossed in a lemon vinaigrette. Light and refreshing.
- Balsamic Green Beans with Pearl Onions - Green beans and pearl onions glazed with balsamic vinegar. Sweet and tangy.
- Asparagus with Cheese Sauce and Herb Breadcrumbs - Asparagus topped with cheese sauce and herbed breadcrumbs. Decadent!
- Sautéed Mustard Greens with Garlic and Lemon - Tangy mustard greens sautéed with garlic and lemon. So flavorful.
- Lemon Green Beans with Walnuts - Green beans tossed with lemon and crunchy walnuts. Love that crunch!
- Sautéed Swiss Chard with Parmesan Cheese - Swiss chard sautéed and sprinkled with Parmesan. Cheese, please!
Secondi (Meat Dishes) to Serve with Spaghetti
- Italian Meatballs in Marinara Sauce - Classic meatballs simmered in marinara sauce. A classic!
- Grilled Chicken with Lemon and Herbs - Chicken grilled with lemon and fresh herbs. Light and tasty.
- Sausage and Peppers - Italian sausage cooked with bell peppers. So hearty!
- Veal Scaloppine - Thin veal cutlets sautéed in a lemon and caper sauce. Elegant and delicious.
- Baked Chicken Parmesan - Breaded chicken baked with marinara sauce and cheese. Comfort food at its best.
- Shrimp Scampi - Shrimp cooked in a garlic butter and white wine sauce. Luxurious!
- Grilled Steak with Rosemary and Garlic - Steak grilled with rosemary and garlic. Mouthwatering.
- Chicken Piccata - Chicken breasts in a lemon butter sauce with capers. Zesty and satisfying.
Insalata (Salad Recipes) to Serve with Spaghetti
- Mandarin Almond Salad - Mixed greens with mandarin oranges and almonds. So refreshing!
- Roasted Cauliflower Salad with Tahini Dressing - Roasted cauliflower with a creamy tahini dressing. Creamy goodness.
- Raw Carrot Salad with Honey Lime Vinaigrette - Shredded carrots in a tangy honey lime dressing. Crunchy and sweet.
- Refreshing Chickpea Salad with Lemon - Chickpeas with fresh veggies in a lemon vinaigrette. Light and filling.
- Summer Strawberry Salad with Cucumber Arugula - Fresh strawberries and cucumber with arugula. Summery and bright!
- Easy Microgreen Salad with Fresh Ginger Dressing - Microgreens tossed with a ginger dressing. Fresh and zingy.
- Farmers Market Salad with Mustard Vinaigrette - Seasonal veggies with a mustard vinaigrette. Straight from the market!
- Simple Kohlrabi Salad with Vinaigrette Recipe - Kohlrabi with a light vinaigrette. Crunchy and unique.
- Easy Green Salad Recipe with Capers - Mixed greens with capers and a simple dressing. Briny and fresh.
- Italian Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette - Crisp greens with a zesty lemon vinaigrette. So Italian!
- Roasted Beet Salad with Orange Vinaigrette - Roasted beets with a citrusy orange vinaigrette. Sweet and earthy.
- Baby Kale Salad with Avocado-Lime Dressing - Tender baby kale with creamy avocado-lime dressing. Creamy and healthy!
- Kale Falafel Salad with Toasted Pine Nuts - Kale with falafel and toasted pine nuts. Protein-packed.
- Chopped Kale Salad with Toasted Breadcrumbs - Kale with crunchy toasted breadcrumbs. Crunch heaven.
- Caesar Salad with Garlicky Croutons - Romaine with Caesar dressing and garlic croutons. Classic and delicious.
- BLT Salad with Buttermilk-Parmesan Dressing and Buttery Croutons - Bacon, lettuce, and tomato salad with a creamy dressing. BLT in a bowl!
- Grilled Sweet Pepper Salad with Ricotta and Summer Herbs - Grilled peppers with ricotta and fresh herbs. Sweet and savory.
- Caprese Salad with Balsamic Reduction - Tomato, mozzarella, and basil with a balsamic reduction. Simply perfect.
Dolce (Desserts) to Pair with Spaghetti
- Tiramisu - Classic Italian dessert with layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cream. Heavenly!
- Panna Cotta with Berry Sauce - Creamy panna cotta served with a sweet berry sauce. Silky and sweet.
Sauces to Serve with Spaghetti
When it comes to serving spaghetti, there are several classic and flavorful sauces that pair perfectly with this popular pasta. Here are some of my favorites:
Marinara Sauce
This is a simple yet flavorful tomato-based sauce made with tomatoes, garlic, onions, and herbs like basil and oregano. It's a classic choice that works well with spaghetti and is easy to make at home or find pre-made (and it's always a hit!).
Bolognese Sauce
Known for its rich, meaty flavor, Bolognese sauce is made with ground beef or a mix of beef and pork, tomatoes, onions, carrots, celery, and a splash of red wine. This hearty sauce is simmered slowly to develop deep flavors, making it an excellent choice for spaghetti (perfect for a cozy dinner!).
Sunday Sauce (Sugo)
Also called Sunday gravy, this traditional Italian-American sauce is a robust, meat-filled tomato sauce typically made with beef, pork, or lamb. It is slow-cooked for several hours to achieve a deep, savory flavor, often served over spaghetti with the meat either shredded into the sauce or served alongside it (yum!).
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
This simple and quick sauce consists of olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, and parsley. The pasta is tossed in the garlic-infused oil, creating a light but intensely flavorful dish. It's perfect for those who prefer a non-tomato-based option (quick and delicious!).
Carbonara
A rich and creamy sauce made with eggs, cheese (typically Pecorino Romano), pancetta or bacon, and black pepper. The heat from the pasta cooks the eggs, forming a silky sauce that coats the spaghetti beautifully (absolutely divine!).
Pesto Sauce
Made from fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, pesto is a vibrant and aromatic sauce that pairs wonderfully with spaghetti. It's a great choice for those looking for a fresh and herbaceous alternative to tomato-based sauces (so fresh and so green!).
Wines to Pair with Spaghetti
These pairings are sure to elevate your spaghetti dishes—cheers to delicious wine and pasta combos! 🍷🍝✨
Tomato-Based Sauces
When it comes to classic tomato-based spaghetti sauces (think marinara or spaghetti with meatballs), red wines with high acidity and moderate tannins are the way to go! These wines complement the tanginess of the tomatoes and really enhance the dish's flavors.
- Chianti: Ah, Chianti! This traditional Italian wine pairs beautifully with tomato sauces thanks to its high acidity and delightful red fruit flavors.
- Barbera: Another fantastic Italian red. Its high acidity works wonders with tomato-based dishes, bringing out the wine's fruitiness and balancing the sauce's richness.
- Zinfandel or Primitivo: These bold and spicy wines are perfect for hearty, meaty sauces like Bolognese.
Cream-Based Sauces
For creamy spaghetti sauces, such as Alfredo or carbonara, white wines with good acidity and a touch of richness are a dream! They cut through the richness of the cream without overpowering the dish.
- Chardonnay: A full-bodied white wine with just enough acidity to complement creamy sauces—simply perfect!
- Pinot Grigio: This crisp, refreshing white wine is fantastic with lighter cream sauces and seafood-based spaghetti dishes.
Pesto and Olive Oil-Based Sauces
Pesto and olive oil-based sauces, which are often rich with basil, garlic, and Parmesan, pair wonderfully with crisp, aromatic white wines.
- Sauvignon Blanc: Known for its high acidity and citrusy flavors, it really complements the herbal and garlic notes in pesto.
- Vermentino: An Italian white with a unique aroma and good acidity, making it a great match for veggie-based pasta dishes.
Spicy Sauces
Spicy spaghetti sauces like arrabbiata need wines that can handle the heat and complement the spice—so fun!
- Primitivo (Zinfandel): A fruity, spicy red that brings out the complexity in spicy dishes.
- Lambrusco: A sparkling red wine that pairs well with spicy and rich pasta dishes, offering a refreshing balance to the heat.
Seafood-Based Sauces
For seafood spaghetti dishes, such as spaghetti alle vongole or shrimp fra diavolo, light and crisp white wines or rosés are absolutely delightful.
- Prosecco: This sparkling wine pairs perfectly with seafood and creamy sauces due to its lightness and fruitiness.
- Rosé: Especially good with tomato-based seafood dishes, balancing the acidity of the tomatoes with the richness of the seafood.
Best Products for a Perfect Spaghetti Dinner
Creating a delightful spaghetti dinner is all about picking the best products – from pasta to sauce and sides! Here’s my guide to crafting a memorable meal using top-rated products that I absolutely adore.
Spaghetti Pasta
Barilla Spaghetti Pasta: Barilla is my go-to brand for quality pasta. Their spaghetti, made from durum wheat semolina, offers an authentic taste and that perfect al dente texture – yum!
Rao’s Homemade Spaghetti: Rao’s pasta, made in Italy using traditional methods (including bronze dies for that rough texture which holds sauce so well!), is another favorite of mine. It's like a little trip to Italy with every bite!
Spaghetti Sauce
Rao’s Homemade Marinara Sauce: This sauce is a game-changer! Made with high-quality tomatoes, olive oil, onions, and garlic, it delivers an authentic Italian flavor that’s hard to beat. It's my premium pick for sure!
Kitchen Tools
All-Clad Stainless Steel Pasta Pot with Strainer Lid: This large pot with a strainer lid makes cooking and draining pasta a breeze. The high-quality stainless steel ensures durability and even heating – a must-have in my kitchen!
OXO Good Grips Spaghetti Server: This handy tool helps serve pasta without breaking the strands. Its ergonomic handle and sturdy construction make it an essential part of my kitchen arsenal.
Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast-Iron Dutch Oven: Perfect for simmering sauces, this versatile and durable pot ensures even heat distribution and retains heat effectively – plus, it looks fabulous on the stove!
How to eat with spaghetti (the Italian way)
Eating spaghetti the Italian way involves a blend of etiquette, technique, and tradition (and a touch of flair)! Here are the key steps to enjoy spaghetti like a true Italian:
- Use Only a Fork
Italians eat spaghetti exclusively with a fork—no spoons allowed! The fork should be slightly tilted toward the plate, not held vertically. This helps you twirl the spaghetti properly. Do not use a spoon to assist in the twirling; this is a common mistake often made by non-Italians (why do they do that?)! - Proper Twirling Technique
To twirl spaghetti, pick up a few strands (usually 2-3) and twirl them against the side of the bowl or plate in a clockwise motion. This creates a neat bundle that can be easily lifted to your mouth. Avoid taking too many strands at once to prevent a messy eating experience (trust me, it’s all about elegance here!). - Cook Spaghetti Al Dente
Spaghetti should be cooked al dente, which means it should be firm to the bite. Overcooking spaghetti can make it mushy and less enjoyable (yuck!). Follow the package instructions and taste the pasta as it cooks to ensure the perfect texture. - Simplicity in Sauces
Italian spaghetti is often served with simple, light sauces. Popular choices include aglio e olio (garlic and olive oil), fresh tomato sauce, or spaghetti alle vongole (with clams). Avoid heavy, meat-based sauces which are not traditionally Italian. The key is to let the pasta shine through a lightly applied, high-quality sauce—simplicity is sophistication! - Portion Size
In Italy, spaghetti is served as a first course (primo) in smaller portions compared to the large servings common in the U.S. This helps maintain a balanced meal without feeling overly full before the main course (secondo). Moderation is key! - Avoid Cutting the Spaghetti
Spaghetti should never be cut with a knife—oh, the horror! Cutting is only acceptable for young children who haven’t yet mastered the fork twirling technique. Keeping the strands long and unbroken is part of the dining experience (embrace the twirl!). - Pair with the Right Wine
Complement your spaghetti with a classic Italian wine, such as Chianti or Sangiovese. The acidity of these wines pairs well with the richness of the pasta and enhances the overall dining experience (cheers to that!). - Enjoy with Good Company
In Italy, meals are a social occasion. Enjoy your spaghetti slowly, savor each bite, and engage in conversation with your dining companions. This aspect of Italian dining emphasizes the joy of both food and togetherness (mangia, talk, and laugh!).
How To Store Fresh Pasta Without Sticking
Storing fresh pasta without it sticking together requires some finesse—but don't worry, I've got you covered! Here are my favorite methods to ensure your pasta stays perfect and delicious:
Use Semolina or Flour: Dust that freshly cut pasta with semolina flour or all-purpose flour. This little trick helps absorb any excess moisture and keeps the pasta from becoming a sticky mess. When you're storing it in layers, don't forget to place parchment paper between each layer and sprinkle more flour. This is a game-changer!
Airtight Containers: An airtight container is your best friend here! It keeps the pasta from drying out too much and turning brittle. Make sure the container is big enough for the pasta to move around slightly without being squished—compression is the enemy!
Refrigeration: For short-term storage, the fridge is your go-to. Use an airtight container or a tightly sealed plastic bag. Fresh pasta can chill in the fridge for up to 24 hours, but I think it's best to eat it within 18 hours to keep it looking and tasting its best.
Freezing: For longer storage, freezing is the way to go. Lay your pasta out on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid (about an hour). Then, transfer it to a freezer bag or airtight container. This method prevents clumping and keeps your pasta fresh for up to a month. Just be sure to cook it straight from the freezer—no thawing needed!
Drying: Another effective method is drying your pasta. Spread it out on a clean surface or a drying rack and let it air dry completely, which can take 12 to 24 hours depending on your kitchen's humidity and temperature. Once dry, store the pasta in an airtight container at room temperature. This way, your pasta is good for several months!
Coating with Oil: If you're planning to use the pasta within a day, lightly coat it with olive oil. This not only prevents sticking but also adds a lovely flavor when cooked.
Enjoy your spaghetti – bon appétit! 🍝✨
